Arsene Wenger feels his youngsters once again showed just why Arsenal are not desperate for new signings with a mature display in beating Liverpool to reach the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.
The Gunners boss included veteran defender Mikael Silvestre and midfielder Samir Nasri made his first appearance of the season after recovering from a fractured leg, but it was Spain teenager Fran Merida who fired the hosts ahead, with Nicklas Bendtner, 21, also on the scoresheet after Emiliano Insua had equalised.
"It is always difficult to convince people we do not need players, but when you see them tonight, you understand why," said Wenger.
The Arsenal boss believes the performances of the likes of Merida, Wales international Aaron Ramsey and Craig Eastmond shows just why he continues to believe in the young Gunners.
"We see them every day in training and have so much quality with our young players that we are not specially out on the market. Fran is 19, Ramsey and Eastmond still only 18. To play in a game at that level, they deserve a lot of credit."
Full-back Kieran Gibbs turned in a decent display in front of England manager Fabio Capello.
Wenger believes the 20-year-old can force his way into the World Cup squad.
"Gibbs will get games and he has already this season," said the Arsenal manager.
"Personally, if Capello asks me my opinion, I will give him a very positive one. I believe he is ready to step up."
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I agree with Mr. Wenger that we do have a good young team but I still think they are not up to the standard we need to win the league. We should still be considering buying a striker and a couple of centre backs in the January sales.
Is Craig Eastmond or Coquelin the answer to Song's absence in January?
I can honestly say that i have always had respect for Arsene Wenger but he was a bit wide of the mark last night. The player they didnt want ?came on and if it had been anywhere else he would have got the stonewall penalty his overhead kick deserved. ive watched this in slow mo and Senderos stuck his hand out! it hit his right hand after it came off his left!!. I thought Wengers comments where out of character and it might just come back and bite him on his arrogant ar*e
We need one or two strong players who stop teams like chelsea and ManU
Yo patto, theo will win us the world cup, do you want to bet?
"Personally, if Capello asks me my opinion, I will give him a very positive one. I believe he is ready to step up."
Oh sure, just like with Walcott right?
Another fail in the WC
Gunners rock
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